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HF Pre-Weld inspection system for tube mills

Real-time strip and welding measurement for High-Frequency tube and pipe manufacturing. See what's happening inside the weld box

HF Pre-Weld inspection system for tube mills

Real-time strip and welding measurement for High-Frequency tube and pipe manufacturing. See what's happening inside the weld box


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High-Frequency welding depends on precise control of strip edge geometry, process variations and welding temperature. But most mills still operate with limited visibility to the welding process inside the weld box.

The problem

Traditional tools don't show the full process. Operators rely on experience, some indirect measurements, assumptions, and post-weld destructive testing.

What you can measure now

You're no longer guessing.

Along with a clear view of the welding process, the latest HFPW system introduces additional data filtering algorithms and simplified operator display interface. This improve the reliability and  accuracy of the system. 

Strip edge geometry

Measure the precise geometry of strip edges as they enter the weld zone — the foundation of a controlled, repeatable weld.

Welding temperature

Monitor edge heating and the weld temperature profile across the weld bead in real time — not after the fact.

Process stability & variation

Monitor the welding process, with measurements and alarms to see when it changes and be able to address issues before it becomes a defect.

How it Works

The system uses the Xiris XIR-1800 thermal camera, mounted in a rugged industrial housing, combined with advanced software and an intuitive HMI.

 

Built for Real Production Environments

Improve Operator Safety

Operators gain a clear, real-time remote view of the HF welding process, reducing the need to interact directly with hazardous mill environments and minimizing production interruptions.


 100% Inspection Capability

 The system delivers precise geometric and thermal measurements with customizable alarm and warning limits, allowing immediate corrective actions and consistent weld quality.

 

System Integration

HFPW integrates seamlessly with mill PLC systems and supports data sharing through OPC-UA and ModBus/TCP interfaces, enabling advanced automation, traceability, and data-driven manufacturing.

 

Xiris HF Pre-Weld Inspection system™ Datasheet

The Xiris HF Pre-Weld Inspection system, comprised of the XIR-1800 thermal camera in a protective housing and a HMI computer with tailored HF pre-weld software, enables operators to remotely monitor strip edges and the welding process of High-Frequency Tube Mills.

Learn more about HF Pre-Weld™ by downloading a copy of the datasheet by completing the form.

DEVELOPED WITH TUBE MILL OPERATORS

Built so solve real challenges.

Problems we designed around

Limited process visibility inside the weld box

Inconsistent weld quality across production runs

Dependence on operator experience and intuition

Lack of traceable, structured process data

The result

Greater process visibility

Measurable welding condition monitoring

Improved product quality / consistency

Reduced risk to operators

  • Camera: SWIR, XIR-1800 HDR Thermal camera. (640 x 512 pixels)
  • HFPW Sensor: 90 (Ø) x 300-600 mm (L), Weight ~ 5kg, Working Distance 400-650mm
  • Temperature Measurement Range: 350 - 1500°C Standard Calibration, up to 2200°C with Extended Calibration 
  • Measurements: V- Angle, Weld Temperature, Bead Temperature, V-Length, Apex location, and more

Talk to our team

Discover how the HF Pre-Weld Inspection system can improve your welding process
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ERW and HF Welding for Tube Mills?  

ERW is Electro Resistance Welding and technically uses contact pads or rollers to induce an electric current in the part that creates the weld. HFW is High Frequency Welding whereby a non-contact work coil induces an electric current in the part to create the weld. The welding process is very similar, and the terms are often used interchangeably for Tube mills, but Xiris HF Pre-Weld (HFPW) system is intended specifically for HF welding.

Can Xiris HF Pre-Weld (HFPW) be used with non-ferrous materials like Aluminum, Copper or Brass that have lower temperature melting points?

Yes, this is possible and requires some customization to address the lower temperature profile of the welding.

Can the Xiris HF Pre-Weld system still work if the weld is flooded with coolant?

No, the Sensor cannot measure temperatures though water or coolant, but we can filter out effects from coolant droplets. With some coolant and environmental management water or coolant not normally and issue.

Is it possible to use the Xiris HF Pre-Weld with the WI system?

Yes, both WI and HFPW are often used together on the same mill. The Xiris HF Pre-Weld system is used before welding, while the WI system is placed after welding. Results from both systems can be captured in real-time via OPC-UA.

What Tube Sizes and Materials are best for HF Pre-Weld systems?

Typically, HF Pre-Weld is used in a larger diameter thicker walled Tube/Pipe, with Diameter > 50 mm and WT > 2mm. It however can work on any size tube or pipe where quality and process stability is critical.

Can the HF Pre-Weld system measure weld mismatch?

No, mismatch in the weld from Pipe or Tube forming, and many more geometrical weld bead measurements are done with Xiris WI2200/WI3000 system.

Xiris Automation Inc

5046 Mainway, Unit 2 Burlington, Ontario Canada L7L 5Z1
+1.905.331.6660
sales@xiris.com
 

Xiris Automation Inc

Holterkamp 1840880 Ratingen Germany
+49.2102.126.3835
sales@xiris.eu